Key points

The traditional view of ego defense mechanisms is that they maintain emotional equilibrium and self-esteem.

Evolutionary psychiatrists argue there is more to unconscious ego defenses than emotional equilibrium.

Repressing our flaws, for example, makes it easier to conceal them from others, elevating our social status.

Awareness of the ancient origins of ego defenses can help us make better choices in the modern world.

The first step in a 12-step program is for the addict to admit that they have a problem, because most addicts are in denial about their addictions. And, as my clinical supervisor observed when I was an intern therapist, “You can’t let go of something you don’t admit having.”

Denial of uncomfortable truths is one of several ego defense mechanisms that Fre

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